One of the many areas where Gordy achieved fame and success was Bill Watts' Mid-South wrestling promotion.  When Mid-South expanded into the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF), Gordy won the UWF Heavyweight Championship on May 6, 1986 by defeating "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan in a championship tournament.  Gordy held the belt until November 11, 1986 when he lost via forfeit to the One Man Gang.  Earlier on in the evening, Gordy had sustained an arm injury at the hands of "Dr. Death" Steve Williams in a six man match against Williams, Terry Taylor, and Ted DiBiase.  When Gordy's fellow Freebird told referee Tommy Gilbert that Gordy could not defend the title, Gilbert awarded the belt to the Gang.